STEVIE HAMMELL insists Motherwell’s battling display against Everton has given the players confidence ahead of their historic Champions League qualifier with Panathinaikos.

STEVIE HAMMELL insists Motherwell’s battling display against Everton has given the players confidence ahead of their historic Champions League qualifier with Panathinaikos.

The Steelmen earned a draw against the Premiership side in Hammell’s testimonial and the left-back reckons that has handed them hope for the daunting match with the Greeks.

Nicky Law’s stunning second-half strike cancelled out Shane Duffy’s header as 4,512 fans turned out to pay tribute to the man with the club record for the most SPL appearances.

Well face local rivals Hamilton on Tuesday night but it was this match against David Moyes’ Premiership stars which gave the Steelmen a taste of the quality they will come up against when they meet Panathinaikos.

Hammell said: “We spoke before the game about how important it was to get up to match speed pretty quickly. I know it was my testimonial but we had to treat it like a proper game.

“It was pretty much a full-strength Everton team, apart from maybe one or two players. They have some top players but we did really well and created a few chances.

“I’ve seen pictures of the Olympic Stadium in Athens and heard it’s pretty intimidating but we knew it would be tough no matter which of the four teams we drew. Hopefully the fans can come out in the first leg at Fir Park and we can get a positive result.”

Well started brightly yesterday and Chris Humphrey tested Tim Howard early on before Leon Osman went close at the other end with a close-range header from Tim Cahill’s cross.

Jamaican international Humphrey looked lively in the opening stages and got in behind the defence before cutting back to Michael Higdon who blazed over.

It took a late goal for Everton to seal victory in their opening game north of the border against Dundee United in midweek and they found life just as tough here.

Well threatened again as Henrik Ojamaa threaded a perfectly-weighted pass for Law to run on to but the midfielder couldn’t find the breakthrough as American shot-stopper Howard made the save.

Hammell came close to capping his special day with a goal but his free-kick deflected off the Everton wall and just dipped over with Howard struggling.

Motherwell were enjoying a good spell and Jamie Murphy was next to try his luck as he cut in from the left before firing an angled drive that was touched on to the post.

But for all the home side’s chances it was Everton who broke the deadlock just after the half hour.

Victor Anichebe crossed from the left and Duffy rose to send a header home off the inside of the post.

Former Ibrox star Nikica Jelavic was one of four subs introduced by Moyes at half-time but the Croatian was only on the park for 10 minutes when the home side drew level in stunning fashion.

Humphrey’s cross into the box was headed back by Murphy at full stretch and the ball sat up perfectly for Law who unleashed a volley that flew past a helpless Howard.

Higdon then came close to giving Well the lead when he was denied by the woodwork before the Steelmen survived a scare at the other end.

A neat dummy from Jelavic set up Jack Rodwell but the midfielder’s effort was cleared by former Everton kid Adam Cummins.

Homecoming hero James McFadden was introduced just after the hour for Well with former Rangers star Steven Naismith unleashed by Moyes shortly after. And sub keeper Lee Hollis denied the Scotland star his first Everton goal with a fine low save from a shot inside the box.

McFadden – who has starred for both clubs – had the home fans on their feet and Hammell said: “It has been great to have James around the place and the fans were happy to see him going by their ‘We’re only here to see McFadden’ chant. I thought that was a bit harsh!

“Seriously, it was good to see James back out there and he really enjoyed it. I had a fantastic day and it was great to see everyone there, including my family.”